The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has announced new rules and best practices that will place strict limitations on gambling advertising in the Garden state.
As part of the new regulations, New Jersey’s Attorney General will create “a new position dedicated to responsible gambling” and implement new advertising standards across the online casinos and sports-betting industry.
The new rules also mandate that a simpler method of self-exclusion be introduced allowing gamblers to voluntarily exclude themselves from both in-person gambling at casinos and online gambling. This includes the introduction of a video conferencing feature that will allow customers to place themselves on the self-exclusion list and the creation of a new 24/7 helpline to answer questions about the program.
Speaking of the new best practices, Attorney General Mathew J. Platkin said:
“As New Jersey’s gaming and sports wagering industries continue to grow and mature, so do our obligations to assist patrons who are at risk for problem gambling. By establishing a dedicated, senior level position within the Division of Gaming Enforcement to focus on responsible gaming, we are sending a clear message that we take this work seriously – and so should the industry. Our other initiatives announced today will help protect consumers and make it easier for individuals to access the help they need when their gaming behavior becomes problematic.”
The announcement of the new rules and best practices comes as lawmakers discuss bills to regulate the industry. One piece of legislation currently up for discussion would prohibit the promotion of sports betting at public colleges and universities. Another bill proposes that gambling addiction be included in high schools’ health curriculum.
David Rebuck, director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement said of the announcement:
“In the face of that boom, we have a duty to protect the public from advertising that could be misleading or harmful. And for those in the grip of gambling addiction, we need to offer as many exit ramps from their condition as possible.”
New best practices highlights
- The appointment of a responsible gaming coordinator that would report directly to the gaming enforcement director.
- Gambling ads must not appear in locations where they may might entice under 21s to gamble.
- 1-800-GAMBLER must appear prominently in all ads.
- No “guaranteed wins” or “risk-free bets” allowed unless customer fully compensated for the money they lose.
- Wagering requirements must be clearly explained.
- Customers must have simple and quick option to opt out of direct advertising.
Felicia Grondin, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey said of the new rules:
“The increase of online gambling opportunities, access and the amount of advertising has put many more people in New Jersey at risk for problem gambling. These measures will help enforce and expand responsible gaming, and will be bolstered with the establishment of a responsible gaming coordinator.”
News of the new best practices comes just days after the Department of Gaming Enforcement revealed that combined gambling revenues for the month of March came to $487 million. The report also shows a 41% year-on-year increase in sports betting revenues.
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.